By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) said Friday it is looking to expand naval defense relations with its Pakistani counterparts.
This came following the visit of delegates of the 54th Pakistan Navy Staff Course of the Pakistan Navy War College at the PN headquarters in Manila on Feb. 26.
In a statement, PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said the delegation consists of 21 officers from Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Turkey.
The Pakistani delegation was headed by Commodore Ahsen Ali Khan Pakistani, Navy chief of naval staff for maritime affairs and policy research.
They were welcomed by PN chief of naval staff Rear Admiral Alan Javier, who represented Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.
“The activity is not merely an educational exchange, but rather it also provides a platform to foster mutual understanding, enhance partnerships, and share knowledge and best practices with one another,” Javier said.
Alcos said the visit provided an avenue for both navies to share knowledge, best practices and strategies, reinforcing their commitment to ongoing cooperation aimed at fostering regional security and stability.
It also highlighted the potential for increased cooperation between the two navies, building on a long history of friendship and collaboration in training and exercises.
Alcos said the visit highlights the importance of fostering stronger naval cooperation and mutual understanding between the Pakistan and Philippine navies.
By sharing knowledge and expertise, the visit enhances both navies’ ability to address regional maritime challenges and ensures continued collaboration for greater maritime security and stability in the region. (PNA)
